Halle Berry appears in Apple TV+’s Number One on the Call Sheet.
“It was a producing and political feat to get all of these people to sit down,” said the directors behind Apple TV+’s anticipated two-part docuseries Number One on the Call Sheet.
The vision was first sparked in 2019 when Jamie Foxx and producer Datari Turner approached filmmaker Reginald Hudlin with an idea to explore the legacy and power of Black leading actors in Hollywood. Hudlin’s response was immediate. “It was kind of a no-brainer,” he recalled.
As the project expanded, Hudlin realized the stories of Black women in the industry deserved their own spotlight. That’s when award-winning documentarian Shola Lynch joined the production. Hudlin focused on leading men, while Lynch captured the triumphs and trials of leading Black women in entertainment.
What emerged is an ambitious two-part documentary featuring over 30 of the most recognizable names in film, including Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Denzel Washington, and Will Smith. Filming began in 2022 and unfolded over two years, with top talents like Kevin Hart and Jamie Foxx serving as both subjects and producers through their own companies, Hartbeat and Foxxhole Productions.
Reflecting on the production, Lynch pointed to the challenges of organizing such an elite group. With previous experience creating a tribute to Cicely Tyson for the 2018 Governors Awards, she acknowledged the deep political and logistical barriers that often limit these kinds of projects. “But here, marking the moment uniquely are these films, powered by Black film companies. Their influence, stardom, and cachet facilitated this unprecedented gathering of talent,” she said.
The result is a docuseries that blends celebration with raw, unfiltered honesty. In the male-centered installment, stars pay homage to legends like Sidney Poitier and explore how Will Smith’s international success shifted the perception of Black entertainers in Hollywood. The women’s edition dives into landmark moments and the enduring gaps, notably highlighting how Halle Berry remains the only Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress in the Academy’s 97-year history.
Still, the core message isn’t rooted in criticism. Rather, the filmmakers strive to offer insight and inspiration through the personal stories of each icon. From overcoming barriers to transforming the industry, Number One on the Call Sheet stands as a cinematic love letter to resilience and Black excellence in Hollywood.
Denzel Washington appears in the series, offering wisdom on legacy and leadership within the entertainment world.
